As Thanksgiving approaches, many people reflect on their blessings and look for ways to give back to the community or someone less fortunate. Giving an hour of your time and donating blood could offer a hospital patient the most valuable gift of all – the gift of life. The American Red Cross is encouraging all eligible donors to donate blood. It’s the gift that doesn’t cost a thing and can offer another holiday season to someone in need.

The Red Cross will thank presenting donors Nov. 25-29 with a complimentary pie at select blood drives in Iowa and Wisconsin. As an added incentive during the week of Thanksgiving, all presenting donors will receive a red, commemorative Red Cross T-shirt, while supplies last.

“While the need for blood is ongoing, the supply isn’t – especially around the holidays,” said Greg Novinska, the Chief Executive Officer of the American Red Cross Badger-Hawkeye Blood Services Region. “Long holiday weekends pose an extra challenge, when many donors are traveling to be with family and friends. Without the generosity of volunteer blood donors, we would not be able to ensure a stable blood supply for patients in need.”

Simply call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or visit redcrossblood.org to make an appointment or for more information. All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients. A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age (16 with parental consent in some states), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.